The modern librarian is an information scientist, community program developer, and digital literacy instructor navigating a complex information landscape. Securing a professional position requires earning a graduate-level degree, which is the undisputed educational standard for the occupation.
The Essential Graduate Degree
The primary educational requirement for professional librarianship is a graduate degree, most commonly titled the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or the Master of Library Science (MLS). These degrees are considered equivalent and mark the entry point for most professional roles in public, academic, and special libraries. The curriculum covers the theoretical and practical skills needed to manage complex information systems and serve diverse populations.
Students in an MLIS program study core areas like information organization, modern information technology, database management, and digital curation. They receive training in cataloging and classification systems for both physical and digital assets. The program also emphasizes practical experience, often requiring internships or practicums to provide hands-on skills in real library settings.
Importance of Professional Accreditation
For a master’s degree to be accepted by the vast majority of employers, it must come from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). ALA accreditation signifies that the program meets established standards for master’s level education in library and information studies. This accreditation is a requirement for those pursuing professional positions, especially in larger or publicly funded institutions.
An unaccredited degree, even if it carries the MLIS or MLS title, is not recognized for professional librarian posts, limiting career mobility and job prospects. Employers rely on the ALA’s rigorous review process to ensure that candidates possess the necessary foundational knowledge and training. Choosing an ALA-accredited program is the most important academic decision for an aspiring professional librarian.
Undergraduate Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is the prerequisite for admission into a graduate library science program. Librarianship does not mandate a specific undergraduate major, welcoming candidates from a variety of academic backgrounds. Programs generally accept applicants with degrees in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, or technology fields.
A broad liberal arts background is beneficial because it cultivates research skills, critical thinking, and strong communication abilities. This diversity allows future librarians to specialize later in areas like art, law, or medicine, aligning with the needs of specialized libraries. Admission requirements for MLIS programs usually focus on the applicant’s overall academic performance, often requiring a minimum GPA in the final years of undergraduate study.
Specialized Roles and Additional Credentials
The MLIS degree serves as the baseline, but specific roles often require further specialization or credentials depending on the work environment. Academic librarians, who work in college or university settings, benefit from possessing a second master’s degree in a subject area like history, literature, or a specific science. This additional subject expertise allows them to better support faculty and student research in that discipline.
School librarians, who work in K-12 environments, face the most stringent additional requirements. In most states, they must hold an MLIS and obtain a state-specific teaching certificate or a media specialist endorsement. This credentialing ensures they meet the state’s educational standards for instructional staff and media program management.
Public librarians generally only require the MLIS but may choose to specialize in areas like youth services or community outreach, often supported by specific coursework or post-graduate certificates.
Essential Skills for Modern Librarianship
Beyond formal education, modern librarians must possess practical competencies to succeed. Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills are necessary for engaging with the public and understanding their information needs. Librarians spend significant time teaching patrons how to navigate resources, making effective instruction and patient guidance paramount.
Technical proficiency is also necessary, encompassing digital literacy, the management of electronic databases, and the ability to troubleshoot common technology issues. Librarians must be skilled researchers, able to formulate complex search strategies and critically evaluate the credibility of information sources. Community outreach and the ability to design and host public programs are important for integrating the library into the broader community.
Library Careers That Do Not Require a Master’s Degree
Not every position within a library requires the MLIS, as many operations are supported by paraprofessionals and support staff. These roles, sometimes called Library Assistants, Library Technicians, or Library Associates, handle day-to-day tasks like circulation, shelving, and basic technical services. The typical educational requirement for these positions is a high school diploma, an associate’s degree, or a postsecondary certificate.
These non-professional roles are distinct from professional librarians in terms of responsibility, scope, and salary. A Library Technician often assists with cataloging or reference inquiries but does not perform the high-level research or administrative work reserved for the MLIS-holding librarian. Entry-level roles like Pages, who primarily shelve materials, may be filled by high school students and offer a starting point for learning library operations.
Career Outlook and Next Steps
Employment for librarians and library media specialists is projected to grow two percent over the next decade. Despite this modest growth, an estimated 13,500 job openings are projected each year, primarily due to the need to replace workers who retire or transfer to different occupations. The median annual wage for librarians was approximately $64,320 in May 2024.
For individuals committed to pursuing this career, taking practical steps before applying to graduate school is beneficial. Volunteering or securing a part-time position as a library assistant provides direct exposure to the work environment and confirms career interest. Conducting informational interviews with current librarians can offer tailored insights into the various specializations and the day-to-day realities of the profession.